SUISUN CITY, CA (MPG) - The US Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA) announced the winners of the 2024 Childhood Obesity Prevention and Environmental Health and Sustainability Awards. In the Small City category (populations below 75,000), Suisun City was awarded 2nd place, for a grant award of $50,000. Suisun City’s project introduces a City-wide youth fitness initiative called ‘Suisun City Fit,’ which addresses childhood obesity concerns through dynamic youth runs in City parks and six-week fitness and education classes for youth leading up to each run.

The program aims to develop an affinity for exercise amongst Suisun City youth - ranging from elementary school age through ninth grade – while teaching youth how to live healthier lifestyles in a fun, sustainable way. According to reports gathered from Solano County Public Health and the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Solano County youth have a significantly higher rate of physically inactivity than the state average, and Suisun City has the highest rate of childhood obesity in Solano County.

Mayor Alma Hernandez stated "This grant empowers us to amplify our efforts, nurturing not just healthier habits, but a brighter and more resilient future for the youth in Suisun City. Together, we are building a foundation of wellness, instilling a love for exercise, and fostering a community where every child can thrive."

The intent of the award program is to support projects that engage community members and promote behavior change in childhood obesity and/or environmental health and sustainability. The nationwide competition awarded a total of $745,000 to nine cities across three population categories: Small City (populations less than 75,000); Medium City (population 75,000-250,000) and Large City (population more than 250,000). The complete list of award recipients and projects can be found at www.usmayors.org.